Hi all,

Introduction

Another post in this series. Thank you for your support in the previous posts 😊

This series intends to determine if there are other aspects of cards that may contribute to increasing its value. Based on your feedback I can focus on more/other things – so feel free to tell me where you want me to go into further detail.
I include some analysis on where the cards fit in terms of gameplay, strategy, comparison with other cards, and a market analysis of its price. Feel free to suggest what more do you want me to look into in this series, and your support is much appreciated!
In this edition I will be looking at the Naga Brute.

Gameplay Analysis

Naga Brute is a Common Dragon Monster from the Untamed Dice Set in Splinterlands. As a mid-mana melee attacker, it offers strategic advantages through its abilities and stats, making it a valuable asset in various battle scenarios.

Mana Cost: 6
Attack Type: None
Abilities by Level
Level 1: Void Armor (Magic attacks hit this Monster's armor before its Health)
Level 5: Thorns (When hit with a Melee attack, does damage back to the attacker)
Level 8: Return Fire (When hit with a Ranged attack, deals damage back to the attacker)

Level-Based Insights

Level 1: Starts with the Void Armor ability, causing Magic attacks to affect its armor before health, enhancing its durability against Magic users.
Level 5: Gains the Thorns ability, dealing damage back to attackers when hit by Melee attacks, deterring Melee assaults.
Level 8: Acquires the Return Fire ability, reflecting damage back to attackers when hit by Ranged attacks, providing a counter to Ranged threats.

Comparative Analysis

How does this card compare to other similar ones?

Vs. Djinn Chwala: While both have Thorns, Naga Brute's Void Armor offers better protection against Magic attacks, whereas Djinn Chwala has higher base stats.
Vs. Serpent of Eld: Serpent of Eld focuses on evasion with Dodge, while Naga Brute emphasizes damage reflection and armor-based defenses.

Key Takeaway
Naga Brute is a versatile mid-mana melee attacker that excels in reflecting damage from various attack types and offers robust defenses against Magic attacks.

Synergies

Drake of Arnak (Dragon Summoner): Provides additional armor to all friendly Monsters, further enhancing Naga Brute's durability.
Brighton Bloom: Grants the Flying ability to all friendly Monsters, increasing Naga Brute's evasion and overall survivability.
Djinn Chwala: Acts as a secondary tank with Thorns, complementing Naga Brute's defensive role and punishing Melee attackers.

Ruleset Performance

Favorable Rulesets:
Melee Mayhem: Allows Melee Monsters to attack from any position, enabling Naga Brute to contribute offensively even when not in the first position.
Super Sneak: All Melee attack Monsters have the Sneak ability, allowing Naga Brute to target enemy backlines effectively.

Challenging Rulesets:
Reverse Speed: Naga Brute's moderate speed may be a disadvantage in this ruleset, causing it to attack later in the round.
Magic Reflect: Facing opponents with Magic Reflect can be challenging, as Naga Brute lacks inherent magic offense.

Market Analysis

Price Overview
Regular Foil: around $ 0.063
Gold Foil: around $ 3

Investment Potential
Naga Brute's combination of Void Armor, Thorns, and Return Fire abilities makes it a valuable addition to Dragon teams, especially in battles where damage reflection and protection against various attack types are advantageous. Its mid mana cost and balanced role enhance its long-term utility and value.

Ratings

Usefulness: 7/10
Strengths: Naga Brute provides excellent defensive utility, starting with Void Armor, making it resistant to Magic attacks. Thorns (level 5) and Return Fire (level 8) allow it to punish both Melee and Ranged attackers.
Weaknesses: No offensive abilities, average attack power (2–3 Melee across levels), and moderate speed make it more defensive-oriented, which limits its damage potential.

Cost-Effectiveness: 8/10
Strengths: A solid mid-mana tank with Magic mitigation, Thorns, and Return Fire, making it a well-rounded unit for a low price compared to other tanks with similar traits.
Weaknesses: Requires higher levels (5+ for Thorns, 8+ for Return Fire) to reach full potential, meaning it's less effective at low levels.

Versatility: 7/10
Strengths: Works well in various rulesets, countering Magic, Melee, and Ranged attackers. Pairs well with armor-boosting summoners like Drake of Arnak.
Weaknesses: Less effective in Reverse Speed and Magic Reflect battles. Struggles against armor-bypassing Magic attackers or True Strike units.

Conclusion

Naga Brute is a strategic mid-mana melee attacker within the Dragon Splinter. Its abilities to reflect damage from Melee and Ranged attacks, coupled with protection against Magic attacks, make it a formidable asset in various combat scenarios.

What do you think about this card? Do you use it in your lineups? Share your experiences in the comments and let me know which card you'd like me to analyze next!
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. 😊